Rehras Sahib is the evening prayer in Sikhism. It is generally read in the evening after completing the day’s work. It is part of Nitnem, the daily Sikh prayer routine.
Rehras Sahib reminds a person to remember Waheguru, remain thankful, stay strong during difficult situations, and live according to Sikh teachings.
What Does Rehras Sahib Mean?
The word Rehras is generally associated with praise and remembrance of God. Rehras Sahib is an evening prayer that gives a person time to stop after the day’s activities and remember Waheguru.
People may spend the day working, studying, managing family responsibilities, or dealing with different challenges. Reading Rehras Sahib in the evening provides time for prayer and reflection.
In simple words, Rehras Sahib is an evening prayer for remembering Waheguru, giving thanks, and asking for strength to continue with daily life.
Who Composed Rehras Sahib?
Rehras Sahib is not composed by only one Sikh Guru. Different sections come from the writings of several Sikh Gurus.
Sikh Gurus Connected With Rehras Sahib
The main contributors include:
- Guru Nanak Dev Ji
- Guru Amar Das Ji
- Guru Ram Das Ji
- Guru Arjan Dev Ji
- Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Different sections of the prayer contain their compositions and teachings.
History of Rehras Sahib
The history of Rehras Sahib is connected with the development of Sikh prayer and the preservation of Gurbani.
Many verses included in Rehras Sahib are found in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Benti Chaupai section comes from the writings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Over time, Rehras Sahib became part of the Sikh daily prayer tradition. The Sikh Rehat Maryada recognizes Rehras Sahib as one of the daily prayers.
The exact form followed by different Sikh traditions can have some variations, but the main purpose remains remembrance of Waheguru and strengthening the mind.
What Is Included in Rehras Sahib?
Rehras Sahib contains several important sections and compositions.
So Dar
So Dar is an important part of Rehras Sahib. It reflects on God’s greatness and the vastness of creation.
The verses encourage the reader to look beyond everyday worries and remember the Creator.
So Purakh
So Purakh praises Waheguru and describes the greatness of the Creator.
It encourages remembrance of God and helps the reader focus the mind on Gurbani.
Benti Chaupai
Benti Chaupai, commonly called Chaupai Sahib, is included in the commonly used form of Rehras Sahib.
It is associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji and contains a request for God’s protection, strength, and support.
Anand Sahib
A section from Anand Sahib, composed by Guru Amar Das Ji, is also included.
Its teachings focus on spiritual happiness, understanding, and living according to God’s will.
Mundavani and Other Verses
The concluding portions of the commonly used Rehras Sahib include Mundavani and Salok Mahalla 5.
These verses contain teachings about truth, understanding, and the value of Gurbani.
When Is Rehras Sahib Read?
Rehras Sahib is traditionally read in the evening.
Traditional Time for Rehras Sahib
The Sikh Rehat Maryada places Rehras Sahib in the evening prayer routine, after the day’s work.
Many people read it around sunset or during the early evening. The exact clock time can change according to the season, location, and personal routine.
The important point is that Rehras Sahib is traditionally an evening prayer.
Why Do We Read Rehras Sahib in the Evening?
The evening provides an opportunity to pause after a busy day.
Remember Waheguru
Rehras Sahib gives a regular opportunity to remember Waheguru after completing the day’s activities.
Build Inner Strength
The prayer contains teachings about God’s power and encourages a person to remain strong while facing difficulties.
Give Thanks
Reading Rehras Sahib provides time to appreciate what one has received and to remain thankful.
Reflect on the Day
The evening can be a suitable time to think about one’s actions, thoughts, and responsibilities during the day.
What Is the Importance of Rehras Sahib?
Rehras Sahib has an important place in Sikh daily life because it connects prayer with everyday responsibilities.
1. Helps With Remembrance of Waheguru
Daily activities can make people busy and distracted. Rehras Sahib creates a regular time for remembrance.
2. Encourages Courage
Its teachings encourage people to remain strong and continue doing their responsibilities even when life becomes difficult.
3. Encourages Thankfulness
The prayer reminds people to appreciate what they have rather than focusing only on their problems.
4. Supports Reflection
Regular reading of Gurbani gives a person an opportunity to think about their actions and way of life.
5. Connects Prayer With Daily Life
Sikh teachings emphasize honest work, responsibility, humility, and remembrance of God. Rehras Sahib helps connect these values with everyday life.
Can Anyone Read Rehras Sahib?
Yes. Anyone who wants to learn about Sikh prayers and Gurbani can read Rehras Sahib.
For Beginners
Beginners can start by:
- Learning the correct pronunciation
- Reading the prayer slowly
- Understanding the meaning
- Listening to the pronunciation
- Learning a small section at a time
Understanding the meaning can make the reading easier and more useful for someone who is new to Gurbani.
Can Rehras Sahib Be Read Before Sleeping?
Rehras Sahib is traditionally an evening prayer, while Kirtan Sohila is traditionally read before sleeping.
If someone misses the usual evening time, they can read Rehras Sahib later according to their circumstances. However, in the traditional Nitnem schedule, Rehras Sahib belongs to the evening and Kirtan Sohila belongs to bedtime.
Rehras Sahib in Daily Sikh Life
Rehras Sahib is closely connected with everyday Sikh life.
A person may spend the day working, studying, caring for family, managing responsibilities, or facing different challenges. In the evening, Rehras Sahib provides a regular time to stop and remember Waheguru.
Its teachings encourage a person to remain connected with Gurbani while continuing to work and fulfill responsibilities.
Conclusion
Rehras Sahib is the traditional evening prayer in Sikhism and an important part of Nitnem. It contains compositions connected with several Sikh Gurus and includes sections such as So Dar, So Purakh, Benti Chaupai, Anand Sahib, and other verses.
It is traditionally read in the evening as a time to remember Waheguru, give thanks, reflect on the day, and develop strength for daily responsibilities.
For beginners, learning both the words and meaning of Rehras Sahib can make the prayer easier to understand and follow as part of a daily routine.
Rehras Sahib in other Languages
Also read Rehras Sahib in english,Punjabi and hindi
Rehras Sahib Hindi
Below is the detail of the Hindi lyrics for devotees.
Rehras Sahib Punjabi
Below is the detail of the Punjabi lyrics for devotees.
Rehras Sahib English
Below is the detail of the English lyrics for devotees.